Cuomo begins re-election bid with de Blasio boost

Cuomo begins re-election bid with de Blasio boost

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, left, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. AP Photo/Mike Groll

Associated Press

MELVILLE, N.Y.— New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has launched his bid for a second term with a progressive call to action and a boost from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The two men addressed their party's state convention Thursday on Long Island. Cuomo's business-friendly policies have angered some progressives, but de Blasio's endorsement could help blunt that criticism.

In a speech accepting his party's nomination, Cuomo cited his work to pass gay marriage and gun control and called Republicans the party of negativity and fear.

Cuomo never mentioned the name of his GOP opponent, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.

Cuomo's running mate, former Congresswoman Kathy Hochul of Buffalo, addressed Democrats a day after being announced as Cuomo's choice and vowed to help Cuomo's efforts to boost the upstate economy.